Inside my '13 Ford Focus ST build
06-06-2014, 07:58 AM
#562
2024 Honda Civic Type R
Thread Starter
It's fantastic. I'm at nearly 22k miles and I haven't had a single problem.
Instant torque, tons of power, and great interior and features with the ST3 package. Good amount of cargo space with it being a hatchback as well.
It handled the past two winters with ease on snow tires.
Looking to possibly mod? Tons of options, and not too expensive. A simple tune brings a great bump of power.
Dealerships are also giving great deals on them. Shop around and you can find invoice pricing, and I've even heard some get a bit below invoice as well. Plus Ford has incentives out there.
Have you driven one yet?
Instant torque, tons of power, and great interior and features with the ST3 package. Good amount of cargo space with it being a hatchback as well.
It handled the past two winters with ease on snow tires.
Looking to possibly mod? Tons of options, and not too expensive. A simple tune brings a great bump of power.
Dealerships are also giving great deals on them. Shop around and you can find invoice pricing, and I've even heard some get a bit below invoice as well. Plus Ford has incentives out there.
Have you driven one yet?
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Crazy Bimmer (06-06-2014)
06-06-2014, 09:49 AM
#563
Turd Polisher
iTrader: (1)
Anytime I see a Focus ST on the road, it reminds me of this thread 
.
I have nothing against Ford and their reputation has improved quite a bit over the coming years, they have 3 vehicles in their lineup that I wouldn't mind taking ownership of.
F150 Ecoboost, Focus ST & 5.0 Mustang.
.I have nothing against Ford and their reputation has improved quite a bit over the coming years, they have 3 vehicles in their lineup that I wouldn't mind taking ownership of.
F150 Ecoboost, Focus ST & 5.0 Mustang.
06-06-2014, 09:52 AM
#564
Fahrvergnügen'd
My problem with my car is assembly/fit and finish.
Engineering-wise, the car is great. It's well sorted and it's pretty good on gas if you're not on the boost all the time. The shifter is precise and the handling is far better than my Mazdaspeed3 was ... And with the tune it's very quick.
However, as much as I love MyFord Touch, it's gotten a little worse since I got it. There are days where I cannot connect via bluetooth to stream music (phone always works). Theoretically, this could be my phone's stack.
But my biggest beef is the stuff I've complained about.
Honestly, I think I got a bad car. But, if I was buying something now, I would definitely go drive the Mk7 GTI and the Focus ST before making a decision.
Engineering-wise, the car is great. It's well sorted and it's pretty good on gas if you're not on the boost all the time. The shifter is precise and the handling is far better than my Mazdaspeed3 was ... And with the tune it's very quick.
However, as much as I love MyFord Touch, it's gotten a little worse since I got it. There are days where I cannot connect via bluetooth to stream music (phone always works). Theoretically, this could be my phone's stack.
But my biggest beef is the stuff I've complained about.
Honestly, I think I got a bad car. But, if I was buying something now, I would definitely go drive the Mk7 GTI and the Focus ST before making a decision.
06-06-2014, 11:42 AM
#565
Senior Moderator
MK7 cost much more though and highly doubt deals will be had once they release them.
Ford is offering some nice incentives. Was offered 23,700 for a ST2 without even trying.
Havent driven one yet but going tonight. A bit excited after reading all the reviews.
Ford is offering some nice incentives. Was offered 23,700 for a ST2 without even trying.
Havent driven one yet but going tonight. A bit excited after reading all the reviews.
06-06-2014, 11:57 AM
#566
Fahrvergnügen'd
Let us know what you think
06-06-2014, 12:23 PM
#567
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
I would personally get the new WRX over it though. :P
Good luck with car shopping!
06-06-2014, 07:17 PM
#568
2024 Honda Civic Type R
Thread Starter
Everything is installed! Here's a quick shot of how she sits on the coilovers compared to stock. I have it set on 30mm so ~1.18" lower.
Stock suspension:
Will update with more this weekend or so.
Stock suspension:
Will update with more this weekend or so.
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06-06-2014, 07:22 PM
#569
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
You lowered it????? #fail
Love it man. Good stuff.
Love it man. Good stuff.
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RPhilMan1 (06-08-2014)
06-06-2014, 08:05 PM
#570
Senior Moderator
Looks sharp! Can I drive it? 
Ford dealer pulled a shady move, told me they had plenty and when i got there they had none. Said they are in transit.
Needless to say, I did not drive one.
Ford dealer pulled a shady move, told me they had plenty and when i got there they had none. Said they are in transit.
Needless to say, I did not drive one.
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RPhilMan1 (06-08-2014)
06-06-2014, 08:56 PM
#571
Some dude
I went to a Ford dealer recently to try and test drive a Fiesta ST. But they wouldn't let me because I wasn't planning on selling my BRZ any time soon.
06-07-2014, 12:45 PM
#573
I always call/e-mail ahead and try to schedule an appointment for even a test drive. Unfortunately, dealers will take you more seriously when you have the apparent intent to buy.
And to be fair, I'm sure they have their share of tire kickers and people looking to test drive just for the hell of it.
And to be fair, I'm sure they have their share of tire kickers and people looking to test drive just for the hell of it.
06-07-2014, 04:29 PM
#574
Senior Moderator
I did call before I got there.
Drove one today and really liked it. Love the handling, gearbox and steering. Did not even feel torque steer, very impressive.
I just could not get comfortable in it. I may be too wide for this car.
They did offer me a ST3 for $24,800 on the spot. That was damn tempting!! Have it in writing currently but will pass.
Sat in a BRZ and liked the seating position much more. They had no manuals in stock so did not drive it. Ugh, going way over my budget already.
Drove one today and really liked it. Love the handling, gearbox and steering. Did not even feel torque steer, very impressive.
I just could not get comfortable in it. I may be too wide for this car.
They did offer me a ST3 for $24,800 on the spot. That was damn tempting!! Have it in writing currently but will pass.
Sat in a BRZ and liked the seating position much more. They had no manuals in stock so did not drive it. Ugh, going way over my budget already.
06-07-2014, 05:28 PM
#575
I did call before I got there.
Drove one today and really liked it. Love the handling, gearbox and steering. Did not even feel torque steer, very impressive.
I just could not get comfortable in it. I may be too wide for this car.
They did offer me a ST3 for $24,800 on the spot. That was damn tempting!! Have it in writing currently but will pass.
Sat in a BRZ and liked the seating position much more. They had no manuals in stock so did not drive it. Ugh, going way over my budget already.
Drove one today and really liked it. Love the handling, gearbox and steering. Did not even feel torque steer, very impressive.
I just could not get comfortable in it. I may be too wide for this car.
They did offer me a ST3 for $24,800 on the spot. That was damn tempting!! Have it in writing currently but will pass.
Sat in a BRZ and liked the seating position much more. They had no manuals in stock so did not drive it. Ugh, going way over my budget already.
A little different, but I test drove the Fiesta ST. I felt the same way, except the interior is a little low rent in comparison to the Focus. Recaros were awesome to me, though my elbow kept hitting the bolster when I shifted to 2nd & 4th.
The seating position is very upright compared to the BRZ. Much more room in even the Fiesta. Extra torque in the ST is nice for a daily as well...
06-08-2014, 05:12 AM
#576
Senior Moderator
Nice job on the changes RPhilMan1! One of my favorite smallish cars for sure.
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RPhilMan1 (06-08-2014)
06-08-2014, 10:56 AM
#577
2024 Honda Civic Type R
Thread Starter
I did call before I got there.
Drove one today and really liked it. Love the handling, gearbox and steering. Did not even feel torque steer, very impressive.
I just could not get comfortable in it. I may be too wide for this car.
They did offer me a ST3 for $24,800 on the spot. That was damn tempting!! Have it in writing currently but will pass.
Drove one today and really liked it. Love the handling, gearbox and steering. Did not even feel torque steer, very impressive.
I just could not get comfortable in it. I may be too wide for this car.
They did offer me a ST3 for $24,800 on the spot. That was damn tempting!! Have it in writing currently but will pass.
The Recaro seats do break in a bit, too.
Happy hunting.
06-08-2014, 04:39 PM
#579
Senior Moderator
They do? Damn, now it may be back on the list. The price is before TTL.
Realized its a lot of car for the price and I cant think of another car to get thats small, sporty and under $25k with a warranty.
Ugh I may go look at it again tomorrow.
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RPhilMan1 (06-09-2014)
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06-09-2014, 10:51 AM
#584
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
What's next for it?
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RPhilMan1 (06-09-2014)
06-09-2014, 01:23 PM
#586
takin care of Business in
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great shots Phil...
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RPhilMan1 (06-09-2014)
06-09-2014, 02:57 PM
#587
2024 Honda Civic Type R
Thread Starter
And the roads suck here too much.
I don't really know... I think this is close to being it. The only things left to do are major, such as a bigger turbo or LSD. But I'm not going to consider that any time soon.
Oh, what I do know is that I want to get it on the Dynojet. Back on Thursday I called around, and I found a shop close to home that has one. I just need to schedule an appointment.
Already tuned!
Thank you!
I need to get some shots of the short throw shifter and a video of the blow off valve.
06-16-2014, 11:54 AM
#588
2024 Honda Civic Type R
Thread Starter
I purchased an official certification from Ford Performance Group.
My ST is one of the first 5,000 built, and one of the first 500 in Ingot Silver.
And 2013 production numbers. Ingot Silver is the rarest color, and only 550 were built in my trim, ST3 (202A).
My ST is one of the first 5,000 built, and one of the first 500 in Ingot Silver.
And 2013 production numbers. Ingot Silver is the rarest color, and only 550 were built in my trim, ST3 (202A).
Last edited by RPhilMan1; 06-16-2014 at 11:57 AM.
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06-16-2014, 02:40 PM
#589
Senior Moderator
Cool!
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RPhilMan1 (06-17-2014)
07-10-2014, 09:32 AM
#590
2024 Honda Civic Type R
Thread Starter
Playing with the GoPro. More to come!
A bit of liftoff oversteer in the first turn. When I push it hard through the corner it can really rotate. Trying to safely do it in a controlled manner and get it in video.
A bit of liftoff oversteer in the first turn. When I push it hard through the corner it can really rotate. Trying to safely do it in a controlled manner and get it in video.
Last edited by RPhilMan1; 07-10-2014 at 09:34 AM.
07-10-2014, 09:34 AM
#591
You got some big bawls...man...going that fast on a 2 lane with zero side visibility due to the shrubbery
Fantastic though...clear vid, nice smooth ride. Sounds fantastic.
I need to dust the Contour off...or make a mound for the D7000 with my Tokino Lens
Wind noise in teh S2000 top down will be soooo awesome
07-10-2014, 09:47 AM
#592
2024 Honda Civic Type R
Thread Starter
You got some big bawls...man...going that fast on a 2 lane with zero side visibility due to the shrubbery
Fantastic though...clear vid, nice smooth ride. Sounds fantastic.
I need to dust the Contour off...or make a mound for the D7000 with my Tokino Lens
Wind noise in teh S2000 top down will be soooo awesome
It's a long straight road back by farmland. There's pretty much no connecting side roads (just farmland access), and I can see cars in front or behind me a good half-mile away.
It's not the smoothest of roads, so I'm looking for some more good spots.
And dooooo it!
07-10-2014, 09:49 AM
#593
takin care of Business in
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Raj Nair eh....some desi is doing well for himself....I wanna sign certificates 
Effin SICK Phil...sounds awesome and the video captures everything very very nicely...were you on E Higgins Road/side roads while taking the video, looked like I have driven on a similar road back in Chicago Burbs....
Effin SICK Phil...sounds awesome and the video captures everything very very nicely...were you on E Higgins Road/side roads while taking the video, looked like I have driven on a similar road back in Chicago Burbs....
07-10-2014, 11:13 AM
#595
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
Wow dude that sounds awesome! And it seems to pull really well. That vid is making me want a GoPro so damn bad!
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07-23-2014, 05:00 PM
#600
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
Your ST reminds me of my 88 CRX Si I had. It was silver with dark metallic gray almost black wheels, nearly the same spoke design, too. It was definitely the most fun car handling-wise I ever had. I'm sure the ST is even more fun. Nothing beats a small hatchback for that. Damn the road barge I have now lol.
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RPhilMan1 (07-24-2014)